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How do I search in Windows Explorer for a specific word contained in files that are not Microsoft files?

Anonymous
2024-04-13T13:52:17+00:00

Searching in Windows Explorer for files containing specific words or phrases seems to work only for Microsoft files. I need to search SPSS syntax files for where I've used a specific command. These files are simple text files yet a search for a common word such as "Save" yields no results. Is there a way to search for text within other types of files?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-04-14T03:14:35+00:00

    Hi Jerry,

    Welcome to Microsoft Community.

    I'm Hahn and I'm here to help you with your concern.

    To search for a specific word within non-Microsoft files using Windows Explorer, you can use the search function with specific operators. For instance, to search for the word "Save" within all files, you can type the following in the search box:

    content: Save

    This will search for the word "Save" within the content of all files, not just Microsoft files. If you want to search for an exact phrase, you can use quotes around the phrase:

    content:~="your search phrase"

    Additionally, make sure that the folder containing the files is indexed by Windows Search, as this can affect the search results.

    This should allow you to search within the contents of text files, including SPSS syntax files, for specific words or phrases.

    If these steps don't resolve the issue, you may consider using tools designed to search text content. These tools are generally more flexible than Windows Explorer's search capabilities and are capable of searching text content in non-conventional file types.

    Microsoft attaches great importance to user experience, you can submit your ideas and suggestions through the Feedback Hub, and the development team will regularly review submissions for ideas or fixes.

    Send feedback to Microsoft with the Feedback Hub app - Microsoft Support

    Please share the feedback link here after submitting as it will allow others on the forum to vote for your submission, including me. More votes will lead to more visibility and higher priority to the development team.

    I hope this helps. If there is anything not clear, please do not hesitate to let me know.

    Your Sincerely

    Hahn - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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